Do you remember what it is like to be a new Christian? Everything is fresh, new, and exciting! There’s a discovery around every corner. Every message you hear is full of revelation and previously unknown wonders. We call it the honeymoon phase of our walk. Ah, the honeymoon, that glorious stage where no matter what you ask for, it happens.

After a time there is a subtle sift in seasons. God doesn’t seem to answer every prayer the way you think it should be answered. Then there is this issue of character that He seems awfully interested in. We go through a process of transformation, which, even if we know it’s going to happen, isn’t really easy. His processor seems to be trials, temptations and tests. This is a time when God doesn’t tend to miraculously deliver you of the object of His attention in your life. We have to go through it to be changed. He allows this process so that we see what’s truly in our own heart and learn to surrender it to Him. It can be a tough grind and can wear down your enthusiasm and exuberance. Some people never make it through, like a plant with very little root; they wilt under the heat of His scrutiny. We call this process maturing in the faith, only problem is we all seem to lose a measure of joy and unbridled passion that we first have. Sometimes we can become a little jaded or cynical. We prayed for the miraculous to happen and instead got dragged through sheep shears backwards. We are steady, stable, staid, mature believers that leaders and others can depend on but some of the fire is gone.

Well, can you have some fire and passion as a mature Christian? Does the pilgrimage have to rob us of this joy? Obviously we gain knowledge and revelation as we walk in the way. But does it have to become boring, tedious or hardly relevant to our everyday life?

No – it doesn’t have to be!

The criterion for maintaining passion for the Lord is to learn from others. I have become an avid fan of learning from others’ mistakes. When younger, I used to think either it would never happen to me like that or I can do it just fine all by myself, thank you. Fortunately that kind of attitude allowed me to experience many a situation and period of dryness that I regretted but shaped my passion for learning from others. If you are willing, there are a number of actions that you can take that will help you keep on track. They have been learned the hard way, which can be to your benefit.

Remember anything you neglect will deteriorate. It’s like a marriage. Your relationship takes some care and nurture. So it is with the Lord, you can’t simply expect the relationship to continue vibrantly without some effort and imagination. We can do something to maintain the vitality. During a time of reformation, i.e., God’s dealings, in our life we can become so used to our situation that we fail to notice the change formed in our life. Failure to notice can cause us to continue in the same mode of behaviour because it’s become routine.

There are ten possibilities that you can apply to your situation to shake you out of lethargy and restore your vitality. These are possibilities because they will only be effective if you follow through with them. I can’t do it for you, only you can do it.


I have learned these the hard way. I haven’t had a walk that has been all roses. I have struggled through periods in my life where I have been loath to invite anyone to become a Christian and end up like me. Yet, I have found ways to restore the love and joy I first had for the Lord. Some of the possibilities I used to stubbornly resist, thinking I didn’t need to do that. But, after finally relenting and seeing the effects, I have wished I did it earlier.

This is not like a get rich quick scheme or fad diet. The effects like exercise may not be immediately noticeable but if you follow through, you will enjoy the rewards.